Means for preserving and rendering sharp cutting edges, &amp;c.



N0. 693,|46.`l Patented F'b. Il7 |902.

0. NEWHUUSE. l, MEANS FOR PRESERVING AND RENDERING SHARP CUTTING EDGES, 8m. i

(Application led May 11, 1901A (No Model.)

ma Nonms PETER co. PHOTO-mwa, wAsmNooN, n. c.

UNITED 'STATES' IPATENT OFFICE.

OSCAR NWHOUSE, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.

MEANS FOR PRESERVING AND RENDERING SHARP CUTTING EDGES, &c.

SPECIFICATION-forming part f Letter Patent N0. 693,146, dated. February 1 1, 1902.

Application filed May 1l, 1901. Serial No. 59.747. (No model.) n

A of New York and State of New York,) have section through the lines x a; of Fig. l.

3 is a diagram showing the blade and its poinvented certain new and usefullmprovements in Means for Preserving and Rendering Sharp Cutting Edges, &c.; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention and discovery relates to means for preserving and rendering sharp and even the cutting edges of implements.

While the invention is intended for use in connection with cutting implements-such as razors, knives, lances, and similar instruments-yet it may be used and employed for rendering even and sharp the iine edges of metal devices or articles other than edged tools.

The invention is embodied in the apparatus hereinafter described, and defined in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings is shown a simple form of apparatus for carrying out the invention; but it is of course obvious that many other forms can be employed and a great variety of changes made without departing from the invention,` and in this connection I have shown a razor-case and will describe the invention'in connection with a razor.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of the apparatus. Fig. 2 is a cross- Fig.

sition relative to the magnet.

It isy a well-known fact that exceedinglysharp blades, such as razor-blades, have minute teeth or projections on their edges and that these projections will in many cases assume inclinations to the blade and differ from each other. This fact causes what is known as pulling or dragging in shaving, the hair entering the spaces between the projections and catching. The microscopic edge of a razor-blade may be likened to a saw with its teeth set, a fact I have discovered by close inspection, and it is the aim of the invention i to rectify this unevenness to a degree that will render the edge for all useful purposes even and sharp and so by drawing into line these deiiected projections. This I have found can be readily accomplished by placing the edge of the blade in proximity to a magnet and retaining it in that position for a period of time.

In practice a bar-magnet A may be employed, and the same, as shown, may be placed in the edge of a razor-case B. The razor C is placed in the case with its blade edge in line with and directed toward the lnagnet and in proximity thereto, but not in contact therewith. The razor should also beheld in the plane of the magnet, as any lateral inclination will tend to incline the entire edge, at least such is my observation. I have therefore provided guides D, secured to the sides of the interior of the case. These guides may be short or of any length desired. A convenient means for holding the bar-magnet in the case is that shown, wherein the lower edge of the case is slightly bulged, as at b, the edges of the bar.iitting in the bulges.

In practice the razor is inserted-in the case, its handle resting on the magnet, thus carrying the blade edge a short distance from the same. The razor is held in this position and being in line with the plane of the magnet the latter will draw the teeth or projections into line.

It is not at all improbable that other theories may be advanced as to the resultant effect of the magnet on the edge of the blade; but after very careful tests and long trials, lasting for months, I have found that the beneficial effect is very marked, so much so that a razor can be used a great many times without stroping or honing, it being only necessary to place the blade in proper position relative to the magnet after shaving and allow it to remain in position for a period of time or until it is to be again used. My experience has demonstrated that by placing the blade near the magnet, as stated, the action of the magnet has practically the effect of stropping or resharpening, therefore largely avoiding the necessity of resharpening or stropping. I have also found generally that a much truer and better cutting edge is secured than can be secured by resharpcning or stropping.

ting-blade of a magnet arranged to be opposite the cutting edge of the blade, substantially as'described.

2. The combination with a 1nagnet,of means for holding a cutting edge of a blade in proximity to the magnet and in the plane thereof, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

OSCAR NEWIIOUSE.

Vitnesses:

CLARENCE R. FREEMAN, C. W. WHEELocK. 

